Arcane drifters

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Arcane Drifters – Chapter 85: "Betrayal Among the Seven – The Trial of Unity Begins"

Location: Dungeon Floor 2 – Spiral Chamber of Echoing Light

After Shen's ridiculous one-man show on the first floor, the seven chosen adventurers finally stepped into the next area.

The path spiraled downwards, lit by glowing runes on the walls. The deeper they went, the heavier the air became.

Shen walked last, hands behind his head, humming a weird song about spicy curry.

Mira (whispering to Liora):

"Why is he always so relaxed? Does he even feel pressure?"

Liora (nervously):

"I feel like even the dungeon's scared of him…"

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Scene: The Gate to Floor 2

A massive stone gate stood at the bottom of the path. The moment Shen stepped forward, it opened on its own.

Golden light poured through.

A floating message appeared in front of them:

> "Trial of Unity: Only Those Who Trust Shall Survive"

"One Among You is Unworthy."

Grunt (raising fists):

"Unity? Hah! I work alone."

Renji (eyes narrowing):

"Sounds like someone's getting kicked out."

Shen frowned slightly.

Shen (thinking):

> "This trial feels... twisted."

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Inside the Trial Arena – Colosseum of Mirrors

The group entered a circular arena. Huge mirrors lined the walls. The floor glowed with runes and flickered with divine light.

Taren:

"I don't like this place."

Suddenly—

BOOM!

Grunt was blasted backward by a sudden lightning strike. He hit the wall hard and dropped unconscious.

Liora (shocked):

"Grunt?!"

A second later—

ZAAAAAAP!

Another bolt of energy shot at Mira.

But this time, Shen moved instantly. His left sword blocked the blast.

He turned to the others.

Shen (serious voice):

"Someone in this group just tried to kill Mira."

A deadly silence followed.

Aeris:

"But… we're the chosen seven!"

Shen (sharp):

"That doesn't mean all of us are good."

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Betrayer Revealed

A ripple passed through the air.

Then… Renji Kaze smirked.

Renji:

"Well… I guess I'm caught."

He pulled out a dark dagger.

Renji:

"Truth is, I wasn't chosen. I replaced the real seventh during entry. This dungeon… was never meant for unity. It was always meant to divide."

Shen (calmly):

"Then I'll just subtract you from the party."

Renji (laughing):

"Try it—!"

Before he could finish, Shen vanished.

FLASH.

SLASH!

In the blink of an eye, Shen's sword hit Renji's blade, shattering it into dust.

Then, using his bare foot, he kicked Renji into a mirror.

CRASH!!!

Renji was sealed inside the mirror — frozen in a loop of his own memories.

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Trial Passed

The floating message changed:

> "Fake Identified. Trial Passed. Unity Restored."

Grunt groaned as he sat up, holding his head.

Grunt:

"Did I miss something?"

Mira (smiling at Shen):

"You saved me…"

Shen (cool voice):

"Yeah, well. No one messes with my raid squad."

The stone doors ahead opened slowly.

Next Floor: Forbidden Beast Temple

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Chapter End